The Old Man and the Sea Literary Analysis

Chapter Summaries

The Old Man and the Sea Literary Analysis

The novel Old Man and the Sea was written in 1951 by Ernest Miller Hemingway. It is considered one of his most famous works and his last creative writing work during his life. The book tells the story of an old Cuban fisherman, Santiago, and his symbolic and actual altercation on high seas with an enormous marlin he had caught. He follows the Gulf Stream far from home and captures the huge marlin. Storms, sharks, and fatigue make it difficult for him to go back home. Hemingway’s metaphors clarify why Santiago never gave up, despite a deceitful journey that almost killed him. These metaphors help the readers to appreciate human nature. They are used to represent life and to portray the role that individuals play in it.The sea and the Gulf Stream are images of the powerful, impulsive aspects of nature. The Gulf Stream takes Santiago far from home, allowing him to make contact with the marlin and ultimately capture it. Santiago has huge respect for the sea, as it leads him to the marlin.The sail on Santiago’s old fishing boat is a symbol of suffering, aging, and defeat. The sail was patched with sacks and, furl. As a result, it looked worn and torn from age and use. Other fishermen seem to consider Santiago himself as a walking symbol of permanent defeat, as he does not catch a fish for several days. The sail still carries out its function, carrying Santiago out into the deepest water where his large marlin awaits. Likewise, the old Santiago proves himself when the time comes, giving a lasting impression of endurance. The scars on his hands are introduced in an opening description of Santiago. His hands had the deep-creased scars from handling massive fish on the cords. But none of the scars were fresh. Later, during his encounter with the fish, the line cuts his right hand when the marlin lurch. Santiago understands, what the fish was feeling and says that God knows he does. As his hand cramps, and he begins to worry about the possibility of sharks, the old man’s suffering is evident. This image of Santiago’s bleeding hands, together with his plight at sea, reminds the readers about the image of Jesus Christ’s hands bloodied by the nails used to crucify him. Correctly, it is when the boy saw